Unique Entity ID
UEI
The 12-character SAM.gov identifier that replaced the DUNS number for federal entities.
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities registered in SAM.gov. It replaced the proprietary DUNS number as the official government-wide entity identifier in April 2022 and is generated directly within SAM.gov at no cost. Every contractor must have a UEI to register, bid, and receive awards; the UEI ties an entity's registration, representations, and award history together across federal systems.
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Last updated Update cadence: Quarterly, plus on regulatory changes
Change log (1)
- LaunchedPublished the glossary covering 48 federal contracting terms with DefinedTerm structured data, primary-source citations, and cross-links into the NAICS, PSC, agency, vehicle, and FAQ pages.